Adolescence star Owen Cooper made history at the 2025 Emmy Awards by winning the Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie prize. The 15-year-old actor became the youngest winner ever in this category during the awards ceremony held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14th. Cooper’s performance in Adolescence garnered critical acclaim and stood out among a competitive field of nominees which included seasoned actors such as Ashley Walters, Bill Camp, Javier Bardem, Peter Sarsgaard, and Rob Delaney.
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Ashley Walters, known for his role in Adolescence, was also nominated alongside Cooper. This marked Walters’ first Primetime Emmy recognition and added to the series’ impressive total of 13 nominations this year. Reflecting on his nomination, Walters expressed surprise at being considered for the prestigious award, stating that he never imagined being nominated for an Emmy. His portrayal of Detective Inspector Luke Bascombe in Adolescence resonated with audiences and critics alike.
Bill Camp, another nominee in the category, received recognition for his role in the Apple TV+ thriller, Presumed Innocent. The series, based on the Scott Turow novel, revolves around a murder case that unravels in the Chicago Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Camp’s performance as Raymond Horgan showcased his versatility as an actor and earned him his second Emmy nomination following his previous one for The Night Of in 2017.
Peter Sarsgaard, nominated for his role in Presumed Innocent, also brought depth to his character as prosecutor Tommy Molto. Sarsgaard’s nuanced portrayal of the role reflected themes of honesty and integrity, adding layers to the complex narrative of the series. This marked his second Emmy nomination, with his previous recognition coming in 2022 for his role in Dopesick.
Javier Bardem’s performance as José Menendez in Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story earned him a nomination in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category. Bardem’s portrayal of the father of the notorious Menendez brothers showcased his talent and contributed to the success of the Netflix crime anthology series. His work as both an actor and producer was acknowledged with two Emmy nominations this year.
In Dying for Sex, Rob Delaney captivated audiences with his portrayal of “Neighbor Guy,” a character entwined in the emotional journey of a terminally ill woman. Delaney’s performance in the FX on Hulu series earned him a nomination and highlighted his ability to portray complex and compelling characters. The series itself garnered nine total nominations, further underscoring its impact on viewers.
Owen Cooper’s win at the 2025 Emmy Awards not only recognised his talent as a young actor but also highlighted the exceptional performances delivered by all the nominees in the Outstanding Supporting Actor category. The depth and range of characters portrayed by Cooper, Walters, Camp, Sarsgaard, Bardem, and Delaney underscored the wealth of talent in the television industry. As the youngest winner in the category’s history, Cooper’s achievement serves as an inspiration to aspiring actors and a testament to the power of storytelling on screen.
The 77th Emmy Awards showcased excellence in television and celebrated the diverse talents that bring stories to life on screen. The recognition of these actors and their contributions to their respective series illustrates the impact of compelling performances and resonant storytelling. As the television landscape continues to evolve, the Emmy Awards serve as a platform to honour and elevate the achievements of artists who captivate audiences and push creative boundaries in the entertainment industry.